Compression Garment

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to the field of undergarments for women, and more particularly to a wrap for lactation suppression, for use by a non nursing mother during the postpartum period to reduce the accumulation of breast milk and associated pain, as well as for mastectomy and Lymphedema patients, and those who have undergone breast augmentation, reconstruction, and reduction surgeries. The present invention, described and claimed in detail below, can be used with or without a user&#39;s own support garment such as a bra or sports bra. It is comprised of a larger interior component with velcro for attachment, and an out elastic strap component for securing a good tight fit and adjustability.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/478,889 filed 25 Apr. 2011 entitled Compression garment, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and claims any and allbenefits to which it is entitled thereby.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The female mammary glands produce milk in the time following childbirthas a natural feeding method for the newborn infant. Milk is produced andstored in the mother's breasts from the time of delivery until severaldays after the cessation of breast feeding by the baby. For variousreasons, some women choose not to breast feed their newborns, but tofeed by means of a bottle containing commercially available babyformulas. Irrespective of the decision to bottle feed, the new mother'sbody produces and stores milk in anticipation the newborn baby's needs.When the milk is not removed from the breasts by a nursing infant, thebreasts become engorged and painful.

In the past, a hormonal drugs were prescribed to inhibit the productionof milk in the breasts of the non nursing mother, correcting the problemin a relatively short time. However, side effects make this practicepotentially dangerous. The selected replacement for hormonal drugs hasbeen the application of cold packs directly to the breasts, whilephysically constricting the breasts. The cold discourages milkproduction, and the constriction, or binding of the breasts, preventssignificant milk storage. This treatment has been accomplished byplacing a cold medium, such as a flexible ice replacement pack, into thebra of the non nursing mother. Alternately, chilled cabbage or similarleaves are used. This has obvious drawbacks and can cause significantdiscomfort. Lactation suppression refers to the act of suppressinglactation in new mothers by chemical or other means. After birth somewomen may desire to stop the production of breast milk, for example whenthe mother wishes to bottle feed from birth onwards, or in the case whenthe infant dies or is surrendered at birth. Compression is a way ofcarrying out lactation suppression.

The present invention relates to the field of undergarments for women,and more particularly to a wrap for lactation suppression, for use by anon nursing mother during the postpartum period to reduce theaccumulation of breast milk and associated pain, as well as formastectomy and Lymphedema patients, as well as breast augmentation,reconstruction, reduction surgeries. The present invention, describedand claimed in detail below, can be used with or without a user's ownsupport garment such as a bra or sports bra.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to support garments and compressiongarments for lactation suppression and support in a variety conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows the layout of the compression wrap, inside view.

FIG. 2 shows the layout of the compression wrap, outside view.

FIG. 3 shows the compression wrap as fitted across the thorax.

FIG. 4 shows the compression wrap laid out flat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed is a compression garment designed for the breasts to aid in,lactation suppression (women who elect not to breastfeed, or are weaningoff to dry up lactation), mastectomy and Lymphedema patients, breastaugmentation, reconstruction, or reduction, and any situation wherebycompression is desirable, beneficial or required for health and medicalreasons.

The compression garment is comprised at least of the following elements:an interior component, an attached elastic strap, three velcro stripslocated at different points as shown in the figures.

FIG. 1 shows the layout of the compression garment, the inside thatrests on the interior side or against the body of the user. Two underarmcutouts are shown which are aligned below the arms in the underarm areaof the user. The dotted line labeled centerback is where the garment isaligned along the back of a user approximately in line with the spine.The area labeled velcro shows where, when wrapped around the thoraxarea, the opposite side of the interior component is secured in place byattachment to the velcro portion. In one embodiment the velcro strip is4 inches in width.

FIG. 2 shows the outside layout of the compression garment, the oppositeside of the side that comes into contact with the body as described inFIG. 1. The general area labeled “elastic” refers to an elastic strap (4inches wide in one embodiment) that wraps around the outside of theinterior component, has two velcro portions at both ends as labeled tofacilitate attachment to the interior component material when wrappedaround the chest/thorax area of the user. In one embodiment the velcrostrips at each end of the elastic strip is 2 inches in width.

FIG. 3 shows the garment as secured on the body of the user. A shows theelastic strap wrapped around the interior component and secured by it'svelcro portions. B and C show each opposite end of the interiorcomponent wrapped around and coming together underneath the outerelastic strap. D is refers to the body of the user.

FIG. 4 the garment laid out, with the interior component behind and theelastic strap with velcro portions at ti's tips attached in front.

In one embodiment, the compression wrap is made of a white 2.7 oz persquare yard loop fabric adhesive laminated to blue white polyester(polyurethane) foam in a 0.110 thickness adhesive laminated to 100%white cotton flannel 3.35 ounces per square yard.

The materials used can interchanged with the standard materials used inthe art. Materials used in medical support devices and undergarmentswould all be seen by a person of ordinary skill in the art asappropriate for manufacturing the support garment. Commons materialsinclude but are not limited to cotton, polyester, silk, flannel, linen,flax, wool, ramie, silk Denim Down for down-filled materials, furleather, nylon polyesters, spandex, cupro, hemp, flannel, jute, lyocell,PVC-Polyvinyl chloride, rayon, recycled or recovered cotton, recycledPET, tyvek, and other natural fibers.

In certain embodiments the compression garment is made of an absorptivematerial to control occasional leakage. The dimensions may vary to fit anumber of body types and sizes. Sizes can range from 30-49 inchesaround, but can be smaller or larger depending on the needs of theuser/patient. Children may require even smaller sizes. Compressiongarments and the manner in which they function to provide comfort andlactation suppression are well known in the art and are included herein.

Further embodiments: Lactation Suppression—Whether weaning off, orchoosing not to breast feed at all, mothers have limited options to helpthem through this uncomfortable time. Medicines that were given to stoplactation are no longer FDA approved, and therefore, no longer beingused.

Teso Tops is a breast compression wrap designed to cover the entirebreast area, helping to eliminate engorging lactating breasts.

Teso Tops wraps are made from a blend of 33.3% polyurethane, 33.3%polyester, and 33.3% cotton flannel. These wraps are extremely soft andlight, making them very comfortable to wear for extended periods oftime. A front Velcro closure along with wide elastic side straps allowfor adjustable compression levels.

Tips:

-   -   Make wrap snug, but not so tight, making it uncomfortable.    -   Use the elastic straps to your benefit by placing them where        needed. If engorging starts higher for you, place the top strap        higher.    -   Keep breasts snug and dry. Shower carefully for the first few        weeks, avoiding water to the breasts. Any stimulation to the        breasts will start the lactation process again.    -   A sports bra may be worn underneath the Teso Tops wrap and/or        disposable nursing pads placed over the breasts to keep the Teso        Tops wrap clean.    -   A second Teso Tops wrap is recommended to use while the other is        being cleaned.    -   Teso Tops wraps are designed to be worn 24 hrs a day until        lactation has completely stopped.

Care Instructions:

-   -   Machine wash cold, tumble dry low and remove promptly.    -   Teso Tops wraps may also be removed from washer and placed flat        to dry. This process will keep elastic in tact.

Mastectomy and Lymphedema Patients—Many physicians suggest compressionto patients that have just received a mastectomy, or to patientssuffering with Lymphedema. Teso Tops compression wraps keep compressioncomfortable. The wrap is soft and light, making it easy to wear for longperiods of time. Compression levels are completely adjustable with afront Velcro closure and two wide elastic side closures, allowing tokeep one side more compressed then the other. These wraps are soft andlight, making them very comfortable to wear for extended periods oftime. A front velcro closure, along with wide elastic side straps, allowfor all compression levels.

Breast Augmentation, Reconstruction, and Reduction—Many physiciansrecommend different levels of compression according to the procedurethat was performed. Teso Tops Compression wraps are ideal for eachprocedure. These wraps are soft and light, making them very comfortableto wear for extended periods of time. A front velcro closure, along withwide elastic side straps, allow for all compression levels.

1. A compression garment comprising: a) an interior component made ofsufficiently inelastic material b) an elastic strap c) three velcrostrips located at the ends of the elastic strap and at one end of theinelastic component
 2. The compression garment of claim 1, wherein theinelastic component is made of a white 2.7 oz per square yard loopfabric adhesive laminated to blue white polyester (polyurethane) foam ina 0.110 thickness adhesive laminated to 100% white cotton flannel 3.35ounces per square yard.
 3. The garment of claim 1 wherein the garment isused to suppress lactation.
 4. The garment of claim 1, wherein thegarment is used by mastectomy or lymphedema patients.
 5. The garment ofclaim 1, wherein the garment is used by either breast augmentation,breast reconstruction, or breast reduction patients.